EVENTS CALENDAR

Festivals and events

Embrace the eclectic energy of Nanaimo at our Bathtub Races, a thrilling tribute to our marine heritage, or get lost in the magic of our Lantern Festival, join the city in colour for our Pride Festival, Jazz fest and more. Every season brings something new and exciting, ensuring that no two visits to Nanaimo are ever the same.

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Calendar of Events

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
8 events,
Vancouver Island Symphony, Noteworthy Kids Choir
Commercial St.
Commercial St.
Baila o Muere! – Latin Halloween Party
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5 events,
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5 events,
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9 events,
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9 events,
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13 events,
Halloween Video Dance Party at The Nanaimo Bar
The Dark Eighties Halloween
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9 events,
Nanaimo Chamber’s Fall Market
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7 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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4 events,
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3 events,
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6 events,
Once Upon a Craft Fair
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7 events,
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6 events,
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3 events,
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4 events,
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9 events,
2025 Nanaimo Fine Art Show
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7 events,
The Nanaimo Rock Choir
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7 events,
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5 events,
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4 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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4 events,
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4 events,
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5 events,
Nanaimo Artwalk 2025
R.A. the Rugged Man & Sirreal live in Nanaimo – Nov 22!
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5 events,
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3 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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7 events,
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5 events,
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3 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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3 events,
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3 events,
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Ongoing
Vancouver Island Symphony, Noteworthy Kids Choir

Vancouver Island Symphony, Noteworthy Kids Choir

Departure Bay Baptist Church 3510 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo

Do you have a child who loves to sing? The Vancouver Island Symphony’s Noteworthy Kids Choir, led by VIS choir director Patricia Plumley, is perfect for children aged 7 through 12 and starts October 1, 2025. No experience is necessary! Learn more about the program and register at https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/noteworthy-kids-sing

Commercial St.

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo

Image by: Sean Fenzl For Commercial St., artist Samuel Roy-Bois has created a series of artworks that directly respond to the vibrant street where Nanaimo Art Gallery is located. Drawing inspiration from architecture and streetscape elements, large wooden sculptures echo Commercial Street’s built environment—the street’s layout, a vanished window, and a cairn that has recently been removed—as well as aspects of its social dynamics and commercial exchanges. Roy-Bois has collaborated with local artists and businesses to engage in what he calls a sculptural conversation—​building community connections that transcend physical boundaries.  Through these relationships, Roy-Bois brings new elements into play with his sculptural forms. These include a drinking glass borrowed from Mon Petit Choux cafe, a record chosen by the artist and one recommended by Steve Lebitsching from Fascinating Rhythm, antique and imported objects from Steven Johns of Red Shelf Decor, and a shirt bought, and one borrowed, from Rumours Vintage Collective. Commercial St also includes artistic contributions by Bronwyn Arundel from Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, graffiti artist Doktoer, and photographs by David Spearing courtesy of Nanaimo Archives. The exhibition is accompanied by new writing from Canadian poet, essayist, and novelist Lisa Robertson. The artworks and objects in this exhibition reflect the everchanging network of events, individuals, and materials present on Commercial Street, brought together through playful interactions, coalescing in sculptural form. Commercial St. is the final exhibition through which we ask How can we play together? Learn more about this exhibition on a Friday Lunchtime Tour in the Gallery or during a special guest walking tour. More information here.

Malaspina Theatre Presents: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Nanaimo Nanaimo

Revolution! Tired of human rule, the animals of Manor Farm seize control, dreaming of a world of equality. But as the pigs rise to power, their utopian vision twists into a terrifying tyranny. When the animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human oppressor, they envision a society built on fairness and comradeship. Led by the clever pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, their revolution initially promises a golden age. However, a struggle for dominance ensues, and the animals soon discover that some are more equal than others. Don't miss this chilling and thought-provoking story of ambition, manipulation, and the fragility of freedom. The play explores themes of totalitarianism, the corrupting nature of power, and the cyclical nature of political revolutions. The animals' struggle for freedom and equality parallels historical events, making Animal Farm a timeless and thought-provoking work. *VIU Students & Staff can use their VIU ID for discounted tickets. Pay parking is in effect 12 months of the year, 8 am - 8 pm, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at ALL parking lots on Campus. Download the Indigo Parking App to reserve parking.

$10

2025 Nanaimo Fine Art Show

Vancouver Island Conference Centre 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo

This show brings more than 50 artists together from Nanaimo and the mid-island, in a vibrant atmosphere and a professionally curated art show in Dodd Narrow's Hall at the Vancouver Island Conference Center in Nanaimo. Art lovers and families are invited to enjoy four days filled with a diverse display of art. This year’s show aims to showcase beautiful art and foster inspiring conversations among creative minds. With 125 pieces of art, and a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media, there’s something for everyone. All art work submitted to this show is juried. This is the largest art show of its kind in Nanaimo, and it is only for 4 days, don't miss it!

Free

Malaspina Theatre Presents: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Nanaimo Nanaimo

Revolution! Tired of human rule, the animals of Manor Farm seize control, dreaming of a world of equality. But as the pigs rise to power, their utopian vision twists into a terrifying tyranny. When the animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human oppressor, they envision a society built on fairness and comradeship. Led by the clever pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, their revolution initially promises a golden age. However, a struggle for dominance ensues, and the animals soon discover that some are more equal than others. Don't miss this chilling and thought-provoking story of ambition, manipulation, and the fragility of freedom. The play explores themes of totalitarianism, the corrupting nature of power, and the cyclical nature of political revolutions. The animals' struggle for freedom and equality parallels historical events, making Animal Farm a timeless and thought-provoking work. *VIU Students & Staff can use their VIU ID for discounted tickets. Pay parking is in effect 12 months of the year, 8 am - 8 pm, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at ALL parking lots on Campus. Download the Indigo Parking App to reserve parking.

$10

Cozy Season Junk Journaling

Beban Park Social Centre 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Get inspired and celebrate the cozy season with a junk journal crafternoon! The first Common Thread Social Club event is here!!! Bring a friend or treat yourself to an afternoon of paper goodness! We’ll use prompts to inspire our cozy season junk journal pages and get crafty with paper, stickers, washi, ephemera, stamps, and more! Your ticket includes: - A blank notebook - All materials and tools needed (feel free to bring photos, ephemera, etc. if you want!) - A cozy cup of tea - A relaxing way to prioritize yourself for an afternoon Venue: Beban Park Social Centre (free parking) *Venue and washrooms are accessible. If possible, please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank. Limited tickets available. No refunds, but you can transfer your ticket to someone else if you are unable to make it.

$40

Vital Signs 2025 Launch Event

Island Savings Woodgrove Branch 6631 Island Hwy N unit 97, Nanaimo

Join us for the launch of the 2025 Nanaimo Vital Signs report — our community’s annual check-up on local well-being. Produced by the Nanaimo Foundation in collaboration with community partners and part of a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada, this year’s report brings together local data, research, and community voices to highlight Nanaimo’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. The Vital Signs launch event invites community leaders, local government, businesses, donors, educators, and residents to explore the stories behind the numbers and discuss how we can work together to build a thriving, connected, and inclusive Nanaimo for all.

Free
Patrick Aleck’s Community Drum Circle

Patrick Aleck’s Community Drum Circle

Vancouver Island Regional Library - Nanaimo North Branch 6250 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo

Join us for a Community Drum Circle led by Stz’uminus and Penelakut Knowledge Keeper – and author and recording artist – Patrick Aleck Jr. Everyone is welcome to share in Indigenous drumming, song, language, and culture. Bring your drum OR use one from the Library’s drum collection. No registration required:  This event is Drop-in and family-friendly. Bring the kids!

Free

In Their Own Words: Remembrance and Soldier Correspondence with Dr. Stephen Davies

Nanaimo Nanaimo

EVERYONE WELCOME TO THIS FREE PRESENTATION....As we stand in the shadow of Remembrance Day, it is important to consider the basis of Remembrance – what we remember and who we remember. Using soldier correspondence from The Canadian Letters and Images Project, the talk will consider how correspondence from the First World War can add to our understanding of Remembrance.

Free

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Day: Wednesday

Ongoing

Commercial St.

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo

Image by: Sean Fenzl For Commercial St., artist Samuel Roy-Bois has created a series of artworks that directly respond to the vibrant street where Nanaimo Art Gallery is located. Drawing inspiration from architecture and streetscape elements, large wooden sculptures echo Commercial Street’s built environment—the street’s layout, a vanished window, and a cairn that has recently been removed—as well as aspects of its social dynamics and commercial exchanges. Roy-Bois has collaborated with local artists and businesses to engage in what he calls a sculptural conversation—​building community connections that transcend physical boundaries.  Through these relationships, Roy-Bois brings new elements into play with his sculptural forms. These include a drinking glass borrowed from Mon Petit Choux cafe, a record chosen by the artist and one recommended by Steve Lebitsching from Fascinating Rhythm, antique and imported objects from Steven Johns of Red Shelf Decor, and a shirt bought, and one borrowed, from Rumours Vintage Collective. Commercial St also includes artistic contributions by Bronwyn Arundel from Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, graffiti artist Doktoer, and photographs by David Spearing courtesy of Nanaimo Archives. The exhibition is accompanied by new writing from Canadian poet, essayist, and novelist Lisa Robertson. The artworks and objects in this exhibition reflect the everchanging network of events, individuals, and materials present on Commercial Street, brought together through playful interactions, coalescing in sculptural form. Commercial St. is the final exhibition through which we ask How can we play together? Learn more about this exhibition on a Friday Lunchtime Tour in the Gallery or during a special guest walking tour. More information here.